Wohlers Report 2022 Reveals Solid Industry-Wide Growth

Wohlers Associates, powered by ASTM International, has released the publication of Wohlers Report 2022. This marks the 27th consecutive year of publishing the annual report, which contains updated content and expert analysis on additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing. 

Research for Wohlers Report 2022 shows AM industry growth of 19.5% in 2021, up from 7.5% growth in 2020, which was impacted greatly by the pandemic.

“As expected, the industry has returned to a period of advancement and investment,” says Terry Wohlers, head of advisory services and market intelligence at Wohlers Associates, powered by ASTM International. “This expansion cuts across aerospace, healthcare, automotive, consumer products, energy, and other sectors.”

Among the new and expanded features of Wohlers Report 2022:

• scaling AM into production;
• workforce development and sustainability;
• women in 3D printing;
• ground-breaking R&D programs;
• reports from industry experts in 34 countries; and 
• the future of AM

Wohlers notes that Wohlers Report 2022 provides readers with a competitive edge through insight, analysis, trends and forecasts. It serves as a tool for decision making and knowledge acceleration. The foundation of the 425-page report is 26 years of data and market intelligence, coupled with a network of contacts worldwide. 

As the technology and industry mature, a growing number of companies are using AM for custom products and series production, according to the new report. A sign is the growth of polymer powder consumption in 2021, which grew by 43.3% to overtake photopolymers as the most used AM material, Wohlers Report 2022 shows. 

The report includes details on 147 early-stage and corporate investments, and 75 mergers, acquisitions and initial public offerings. 

“Wohlers Report 2022 was created with the support of 260 service providers, AM machine manufacturers, and producers of third-party materials,” notes Wohlers. “A team of 93 co-authors and contributors from 33 countries provided expert views and perspective.”

Click here for full-size chart of polymer powder vs. photopolymer growth.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.